Automatic adjustment of display refresh frequency on television devices running Google’s operating system is a feature designed to synchronize the screen’s update rate with the content being played. For instance, if a video is encoded at 24 frames per second, the television ideally switches to a 24Hz refresh rate to prevent judder and improve viewing clarity. This contrasts with a fixed refresh rate, such as 60Hz, which can introduce artifacts when displaying content with different frame rates.
The principal advantage of this capability lies in the enhanced viewing experience it provides. By matching the display’s refresh rate to the video’s frame rate, motion appears smoother and more natural, reducing perceived artifacts and improving visual fidelity. Historically, televisions operated at fixed refresh rates, leading to noticeable judder when viewing films and other cinematic content. The adoption of variable refresh rate technologies, including automatic adjustment on Android TV, represents a significant advancement in display technology, offering a more faithful reproduction of the original content.